By now, Santa Claus could be going around all banks in the North Pole and withdrawing cash for the holidays—not to buy toys or goodies, but to give away this Christmas season. A recent study revealed that more people are expecting cash as presents. In fact, 39% will be happy to open envelopes with money gift cards as opposed to the 21% that are looking forward to receiving tech gadgets, and the 10% who will be okay with clothes and jewelry. Falling close behind cash is vacation. Nearly 30% of respondents expressed their love to go out of town during the holidays, in an all-expenses-paid kinda way.

Cheapflights.co.uk realizes the potential and necessity behind holiday travel, offering hassle-free gift wrapping with vacation deals. The travel website has customized 10 vacation packages for the holidays. Moreover, despite the economic turmoil, around 42.5 million people will travel in time for Thanksgiving, according to an AAA study. The numbers are four percent higher compared to the previous year’s 40.9 million.

AAA Travel Services’ VP, Bill Sutherland, sees what drives these figures:

“Driving AAA’s projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years. As consumers weigh the fear of economic uncertainty and the desire to create lasting family memories this holiday, more Americans are expected to choose family and friends over frugality.”

Apple Products Rule The Wish List

Apple is still a hit and competitors will take a back seat this holiday season, as the iPhone 4s and iPad 2 placed number 1 and 2 respectively as people’s choice for tech gadget gifts. More than 39% are showing great love for the iPhone 4s and 31% for the iPad 2.

Good News for iPad, Bad News for Nook

Tablets are not as much of a hit as last year. But one thing remains the same: the iPad is still at the prime spot for tablet wishers.  Our own Mellisa Tolentino reported that kids aged 6 to 12 years old make up the large portion of those who wanted to open a gift box with tablet inside. Young techies, eh?

While Nook and Kindle have made product releases in time for the holiday season, iPad is still dominating with 69% of respondents, though this Apple phenom is a better present than the two.  Nevertheless, the Kindle fire is expected to sell like hot cakes.

Warcraft’s Wonder With Kids

Santa or perhaps moms and dad should know by now what World of Warcraft is, because they’re likely to see this massive multiplayer game on their kids’ wishlist as well.  Toys are so last year, and with the younger generation getting increasingly interested with online gaming, around 51% of surveyed children are so excited to receive Warcraft, compared to just 32% who wanted computers and tech gadgets, and 10% who went for traditional toys and games.

It is very clear that the ailing economic state of the country could possibly dictate the mood of holidays. Reuters reported that economy could dent companies’ holiday party plans. Throwing a party for employees could be a little expensive, corporate would rather divert funds to other lucrative ways.

For many, holidays are too materialistic and could lead to being impractical and poor spending habits, thanks to very attractive deals and discount offers. But, while financial crisis looms, the majority are still positive about having a happy holiday. After all, ‘tis the season!